Beijing Hotel

I'm a sucker for historical sites, including hotels. And the Beijing Hotel defintly has a rich history that doesn't belong in this post, however is worth mentioning as the reason for me selecting this spot. And on top of that - the location is amazing. Granted the location is smack dab in the epicenter of tourism for Beijing (Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Wangfujing Street, etc), and if that is what you're there fore (besides history) this *could* be your place. The price is amazing, however so is any 4 or 5 star hotel in the city, so that shouldn't be your driver - however it isn't a blocker here either. The Chinese Gov't obviously is the one credited with giving this State Owned Hotel its 5 star rating; perhaps out of pride. The place in fact smells like grandma's house in the summer with no air conditioning. Carpets emit this strange oder - perhaps due to the history previously mentioned. The *daily cleaning* service must be limited to pushing water around a dirty floor to even out the dirt because there is a lot of cacked in grime in the bathrooms and seating areas. I validated this is the case in multiple rooms as I did go and ask for a change. The check-in staff was completey rude - however the conceirge was extremely helpful helping me ship a package within China - so your experience may vary depending on who you talk to. No international channels on the TV -- TV shouldn't be a reason for staying at this hotel anyway, and the outlets in the walls look like they were about to fall out. Perhaps the duct tape keeping them attached was wearing off. My recommendation is to get your history fix by stopping by the lobby on your way back to a more comfortable hotel (not this one).

I was in a executive romm but that was not clean enough (mainly bathroom).The hotel is very old and we are far from a 5 stars !

We had a great room with a view on the upper floors. High ceiling and a comfortable bed. Service was slow and not up to standard, toilet wasn't flushing properly despite repeated "repairs", balcony door couldn't be opened, bed wasn't made up properly, breakfast was poor and lunch made one of us sick to the tummy. And the swimming pool was cold.

The location is perfect. It is a 7 minute walk to the forbidden city and Tian'men square on one side. There is a lovely shopping street on the other side. The hotel's upkeep is very poor. It is dirty with peeling paint and broken marble. The staff are exceptionally rude. Breakfast is minimal and outrageously overpriced at $28 per person (there are no alternatives in the neighborhood). Dinner is barely edible and again outrageously priced (I wouldn't have even tried it if I wasn't too tired to go out). Disgusting place. Don't go there. I stayed for one night at the adjacent Grand Hotel Beijing - more expensive and worth every penny.

the location